6 Rare Irish First Names that Start with W
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Somewhat surprisingly, there really aren’t that many Irish names that start with W but we still wanted to share some with you.
You might also be interested in our Irish surnames that start with the letter W. Or perhaps you’d like to take a look at some of our other topical lists on Irish names.
⭐ Our Favourite: Wynne
Pronunciation: WIN
First Used: Medieval Ireland, originally as a surname
Meaning: Wynne means “fair” or “blessed” and comes from the Gaelic “Mac Gwyn.” It was historically linked to noble families and wisdom.
Why It’s Our Favourite: Wynne stands out as both elegant and understated. With its roots in Irish and Welsh heritage, it carries a sense of quiet strength and charm. Unlike many Irish names, it’s effortlessly modern while still holding a deep historical resonance.
Irish Girls First Names that Start with W
If you’re not a fan of Wynne then we have another couple of options for girls you could choose from.
🌊 Winifred
Pronunciation: WIN-uh-fred
Meaning: An Anglicized form of the Irish name “Gwenfrewi,” meaning “holy” or “blessed peace.” St. Winifred, a 7th-century Welsh-Irish saint, is one of its most famous bearers. The name was popularized in Ireland during medieval times and remains a symbol of strength and virtue.
🦅 Winona
Pronunciation: wih-NO-nuh
Meaning: Although of Native American origin, Winona has been used in Ireland due to cultural exchanges. It means “firstborn daughter” and carries connotations of leadership and wisdom. The name gained prominence through figures like Winona Ryder, giving it a blend of classic charm and modern appeal.
Irish Boys First Names that Start with W
For boys, we really like the name Wálás, although you might be better off looking for other countries as there are only 3 to choose from!
🏰 William (Uilliam)
Pronunciation: WIL-yum
Meaning: The Irish form of William, “Uilliam,” originates from the Germanic “Wilhelm,” meaning “strong-willed protector.” Introduced to Ireland by the Normans, it became popular among Gaelic nobility. William of Orange and William Butler Yeats both solidified its historical presence in Ireland.
⚔️ Wallace (Wálás)
Pronunciation: WAH-lis
Meaning: Though famous as a Scottish surname, Wallace has Irish connections, particularly in Ulster. Derived from Old French “Waleis,” meaning “foreigner,” it was used for Britons in Ireland. The name gained heroic status due to William Wallace, inspiring strength and resilience.
📖 Whitman (Siuirí)
Pronunciation: WIT-man
Meaning: A rare Irish surname-turned-given name, linked to the Irish “Siuirí,” meaning “poet” or “scholar.” While more common in English literature (e.g., Walt Whitman), its Irish usage reflects an appreciation for storytelling and wisdom. It carries an air of intellect and creativity.
We hope you found our list of Irish names interesting and inspiring. We have some other resources that you might find helpful.
